Candidates
We’re Running!
“All we need are decent, honest, hard-working people who are accountable and who have America’s best interests at heart. And they’ll step up and they’ll join our government, and they will make things better if they have support." - President Obama
It is thrilling to see so many from this community seek to contribute by running for office, just as Barack Obama did more than 20 years ago. Recognizing that we share a set of values and experiences but not necessarily all of the same views, the Alumni Association sees our role as spreading awareness of alumni candidates, not endorsing them.
Support or learn about any of the candidates below by clicking on their website. If you are an alum running for office, let us know! Click here to be included on this list. And make sure to check out our Resources to Run.
Michigan Jordan Acker
Visit WebsiteOffice:
University of Michigan Board of Regents Member
Alumni Experience:
Attorney-advisor to Secretary Janet Napolitano - Department of Homeland Security (2011-2013), Associate in the Presidential Personnel Office - The White House (2010-11)
Rhode Island Gabe Amo
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Member of U.S. House of Representatives (RI-1), Won Re-Election in 2024
Alumni Experience:
National Political Coordinator (Obama for America - 2012), White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs
Ohio Patrick Barnacle
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Ohio General Assembly
Alumni Experience:
Pennsylvania Field Organizer - Obama for America (2012)
Illinois Barisa Bruckman
Visit WebsiteOffice:
City Councilmember - Highland Park, IL, Running for Re-Election
General Election Date:
04/01/2025
Alumni Experience:
Staff Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Obama (2007) Intern Coordinator, Scheduling, Office of U.S. Senator Obama (2008) Operations Staff Assistant, White House Office of Presidential Personnel (2009-2010) Special Assistant, U.S. General Services Administration (2010-2011) HR Coordinator, Obama for America (2011-2013) HR Consultant, Organizing for Action (2014) Special Assistant, U.S. General Services Administration (2014-2017)
North Carolina Sophia Chitlik
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Member of North Carolina State Senate, Newly Elected in 2024
Alumni Experience:
Field Organizer, VA Obama for America (2008), PIC, Organizing For America Intern (2009), White House Associate (2011), US Department of Labor Confidential Special Assistant (2011)
Washington Sam Cho
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Port Commissioner of Seattle, Washington
Alumni Experience:
Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator - US General Services Administration (2015)